Posted by Jon Fleischman at 11:22 pm on Apr 16, 2025 Comments Off on The Best of Times, the Worst of Times at The New York Times
For a conservative like me, The New York Times is a paradox, a
daily tug-of-war between delight and dismay. On one hand, its
games—Wordle, Connections, Spelling Bee, and the rest—are a daily
ritual I cherish, a mental workout that sparks joy and sharpens my
wits. On the other, its news and opinion pages often feel like a
lecture hall for far-left ideology, leaving me questioning whether
the subscription is worth it. It’s the best of times and the worst
of times, all in one app.
Let’s start with the good. Wordle is a daily gem, a five-letter
puzzle that demands precision and patience. I savor the moment when
the tiles flip green, signaling victory in mostly three or four
guesses (but I’ve gotten it in two a few times!). Connections, with
its grid of 16 words, is a test of lateral thinking, grouping terms
by obscure themes that make me feel like a detective cracking a
code. Spelling Bee is my personal Everest—chasing “Queen Bee”
status by finding every possible word from seven letters is a
thrill that rivals any crossword. These games are apolitical,
elegant, and addictive. They’re a sanctuary where I can engage my
brain without being preached to, a… Read More